How to read your cat body language? 3 Actionable Points
Attheschool.com started to write about animals also. So you can get a complete guide about your pets. Cats are a puzzle. They want your attention but don’t suffocate them. They enjoy playing, but they will scratch you without warning. Furthermore, unlike canines, felines do not respond well to commands. It’s been demonstrated that they can understand commands, but following someone else’s rules doesn’t exactly fit their entire…thing. That means we have to decipher their strange cat body language, behavior, and vocalizations to figure out what’s happening inside their lovely little cat skulls!
At first, this seems scary. But after reading about all the ways cats can talk with their bodies, hopefully, you’ll have a better idea of what your pet wants, needs, and feels at different times. This can help a lot for those who have very shy cats. If you can figure out when a usually scared cat starts to feel safe and confident, it will change everything about how you interact with her. The goal is to have the best relationship with our pets possible.
Before we start, it’s important to remember that context is a big part of figuring out what a cat is trying to say with its body language. Like a dog’s body language, the situation could mean “I’m ready to fight” or “I’m ready to take a nap.” Dr. Marci Koski, who started Feline Behavior Solutions and is a certified feline behavior and training consultant, says that you should always consider your surroundings when thinking about a cat’s behavior. Context includes, but is not limited to, where your cat is, who else is about, when your cat last ate, and what is going on nearby.
How to understand the Ears and Eyes movement?
It’s time to start studying cat body language once you’ve mastered the nuanced art of identifying between the many sounds cats make. You’ll become a true feline whisperer if you can decipher their movements and signals.
It’s not everything written on their face when reading cat body language. Just a small portion of their thoughts may be revealed through their features and facial motions.
Here are some instances of cat behavior to help you understand it better:
Ears
Slightly forward: When your cat feels curious and active, it’ll make this gesture when inspecting a new toy.
Something caught your cat’s interest, that’s for sure. Cats have incredible hearing, and when their ears are straight and up, it signals they’ve been alerted.
You have a very angry kitten on your hands, pinned back and flat. This action, which is sometimes accompanied by hissing or growling, suggests that your cat is either angry (most likely at you) or scared.
Eyes
Slow blinking: Slow blinks are the feline image of air kisses! There’s no need to be bewildered if you find your cat gently blinking at you. Said, it signifies your cat adores you.
Dilated pupils indicate that someone is very excited! Dilated pupils are a solid sign of feline excitement, whether playing or poised to attack a toy aggressively. On the other hand, big, wide pupils can indicate that your cat is terrified if protective or aggressive actions or cries accompany them.
Pupils with slits (constrictions): This is an irritated expression, commonly seen when there are no treats or your cat’s favorite kibble in the dish. You’re not living up to your kitty’s expectations!
How to understand Tell-Tail Signs?
Cats use their whole bodies to talk (more on that below), but one part of their body says it all. You’re right—it’s tail! When it comes to cattail language, things are much more complicated than dog tail language. (We wouldn’t expect anything less from the cats who rule over us.)
If you’ve ever wondered why cats move their tails or if the fact that cats can control their tails tells us anything, this chart will explain everything.
Cat wagging tail
Oh-oh. Your cat is annoyed with you. If you want to know why cats flick their tails when you try to caress them, be careful because you might get scratched if you don’t.
Cat tail twitching
As a milder version of wagging, twitching is when a cat flicks just the tip of its tail. It shows that the cat is in a playful mood. If you see a cat trying to chase its tail, you can confirm that it started twitching it first.
Puffed up tail
Even though a fluffy, puffed-up tail looks funny and cute simultaneously, it is not a good sign for a cat. It means your cat is scared of something or is getting ready to attack if they are also hissing.
Tucked away
If your cat has its tail between its legs, it is scared and giving up. When your cat is scared of something, like a new place or a new family member, it will tuck its tail under its body.
Curved tail
When a cat’s tail curls up in a way that looks like a question mark, they are ready to go out and play. Now is the perfect time to show them that new toy you got them.
Embracing tail
When a cat wraps its tail around them, making a cute, fluffy hug, it is happy and content. Cats can even wrap their tails around other cats to give them a warm hug.
Understanding the Cat’s Body Language
When I say “recognize a cat’s body language,” I mean to figure out what the cat is trying to say when it uses its whole body to talk. Because it’s not enough for cats to use their tails, ears, or different sounds to tell us what they think, they need a different way to say what’s on their cats’ minds.
This is how cats act, as shown by how they move their whole bodies.
Back exposing, belly exposed
This indicates that your cat has complete faith in you and is confident enough to expose its most vulnerable part to you. If you go for a belly rub, on the other hand, you have a 99 percent probability of getting your hand scratched. It’s a trap that only a few people can avoid.
If your cat growls while resting on its back, they’re angry and on the verge of attacking.
Butt wiggling
No, your cat is unlikely to be a fan of an artist whose name includes the word “Dogg.” One of the many cat body language indicators associated with hunting prey is butt wiggling, which is amusing and adorable.
The curled-up cat
In cats, this is the most typical sleeping position. It indicates that your cat is relaxed and secure. Cats sleep in this position to reduce heat loss. If you haven’t seen your cat sleeping excessively during the day curled up, you should pay attention and consult your veterinarian.
Licking you
It would mean a lot to your cat if you deserved a special grooming session. Now you’re a unique “cat.” Cats display their devotion by licking your skin, earlobes, hair, or even your clothes, indicating that you are an essential family member. They do it in the same manner as caressing your cat shows affection.
Arched back
Prepare to be cuddled! If a cat approaches you and arches its back, they’re attempting to get you to pet them (scratches behind the ear are also welcomed).
A unique blend Your cat is scared or angry if it has an arched back and bristling hair (think Halloween classics).
Rubbing against you
Although most people assume that rubbing indicates that their cat is affectionate, the truth is a little more complicated. To indicate their territory, cats rub against items (or people). This is particularly true when they rub their cheeks against anything because glands placed there release unique (territorial) pheromones. At the very least, your kitty has claimed you!
Kneading
Every time a cat “makes biscuits,” it brings back memories of their kittenhood. Only select humans are known to cats, and only when they are particularly happy and content. If a cat wants to knead on your lap, be proud!
How to make communication With Your Cats?
It’s wonderful to understand your cat, but how can you get them to understand you? Cats are uninterested in what you have to say, but dogs listen to commands and your voice. However, this does not imply that your cat does not comprehend you.
Scientists have concluded that felines are (at least) as proficient as dogs at understanding human language. Another issue is that they act as if they don’t understand what we’re saying.
Even if your cat appears oblivious to your presence, you should always speak with them. A soothing, reassuring voice might inspire or motivate a shy, fearful cat to cuddle with you. A forceful, cutting voice can also assist you in teaching your cat about undesirable actions such as batting or clawing the furniture. (Of course, cats will do whatever they want in principle.)
Use a pet camera to interact with your cat while at work. They are missing you, even if they don’t show it. And the sound of your voice, combined with a goodie from the Petcube Bites pet camera, is sure to melt their furry heart.
Conclusion:
Finally, keep in mind that every cat has its personality. You’ll be much more equipped to handle particular behaviors and detect when they alter if you observe and learn about your cat’s quirks and habits.
